When you’re a tenant, you’ll need to approach the property owner at some point with a problem even if you like your rental.
Nevertheless, a property manager can make things easier when it comes to addressing the issues that arise. This is because they can function as intermediaries. Here’s a look at some of the common problems you’re likely to experience as a Dallas renter.
Rental Payments
Since there aren’t communities in Texas with rent control, there’s no maximum or minimum amount of rent permitted. If renters don’t pay rent in a timely manner, Texas landlords might charge an initial and daily fee for each day you’re late with rent. Nevertheless, the provision for late fees should be in the written lease.
High Pet Deposits
When you’re a renter, pet ownership could be very costly. Moreover, when it comes to charges related to pets, the terminology can at times be confusing. When you inquire whether the potential apartment accepts pets and the amount charged for the pet deposit, you’re likely to hear charges along the lines of $500 with half being non-refundable or a $250 fee and $250 deposit.
Pet fee versus pet rent or pet deposit could easily confuse anyone. A pet deposit is an amount along with your standard deposit that works to cover any damage your pet causes.
You must pay it in full at the start of your lease and you might obtain it upon the termination of your lease if the discovered damage doesn’t surpass your total deposit. A segment of the deposit might be non-refundable.
At the end of your agreement, the management will establish the amount of damage sustained in the rental, whether it’s from a pet or a different cause, and evaluate that amount against the total deposit. Pet rent, on the other hand, is a monthly fee together with your rent, paid simultaneously as your rent.
You’ll generally pay $10-$20 monthly per pet. However, this amount could be higher in high-end condominiums and apartment complexes. A pet fee is non-refundable and the leading agent will at times state it separately.
Other times, they’ll indicate the percentage that’s non-refundable. When you’re considering a rental, it’s imperative you understand the extra costs related to your pet.
Landlord’s Entry Right
During a tenancy, the landlord will inevitably have to enter your rental unit for non-emergency maintenance or repairs or in case of an emergency. Compared to other states, there’s no state legislation that controls a proprietor’s access to a rental in Texas.
Therefore, the definition of entry rights is dependent on the lease’s terms. To prevent renter claims of breach of privacy rights, the lease or agreement must clarify the landlord’s legal access right to the property-for instance to make repairs and indicate the amount of notice the landlord will provide before entering.
While the Texas law doesn’t require landlords to issue a specified amount of notice before gaining entrance into the rental, it’s prudent to offer a sensible advance notice, for instance, 24 hours.
Like all states, Texas has particular rules that renters and landlords need to follow. If you’re a new renter in Dallas, this guide reveals common problems you can expect.
For more information on the common problems faced by Dallas renters, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a message.